This paper presents Skinner's (1957) analysis of verbal behavior as a framework for understanding language acquisition in children with autism. We describe Skinner's analysis of pure and impure verbal operants and illustrate how this analysis may be applied to the design of communication training programs. The picture exchange communication system…

INTENDED FOR SPEECH THERAPISTS, THEACHERS OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED, AND OTHERS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, THE COLLECTION CONTAINS REPORTS BY VARIOUS AUTHORS ON SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MODIFICATION ATTEMPTS THAT HAVE UTILIZED OPERANT CONDITIONING PROCEDURES, AS WELL AS SEVERAL PAPERS ON BACKGROUND TOPICS. BACKGROUND PAPERS ON TEACHING TREAT ENVIRONMENTAL…

The report documents a problem solving approach to the adoption of procedures for dealing with serious behavior problems of severely emotionally disturbed and autistic students in California public schools. Summarized are a review of the literature, an analysis of general techniques of student control, and a list of advantages and disadvantages of…

Described is the behavioral program for autistic children in use at the Valley View School District in Illinois. Sections cover the following topics: (1) characteristics of the autistic child (basic impairments, special skills, and secondary behavior problems), (2) basic principles of operant conditioning, (3) description of the methods used in…

This article discusses general aspects of our knowledge about autism, as well as behavioral and cognitive characteristics of autistic children. Attention is also directed toward treatment techniques, especially those of direct use for the educator. (Author)

A study to evaluate a developmental/behavioral approach to the treatment of autistic children 5 to 11 years of age is described in detail, with particular reference to the advantaged of using parents as therapists and of basing treatment on the home rather than on the clinic. (Author

Children with infantile autism display characteristics and behaviors that severely limit their growth and functioning on many levels. Research is reviewed in which principles of operant conditioning are implemented in procedures designed to investigate and/or modify the autistic child's behavior in the following areas: (a) social interaction, (b)…

The teacher's guide presents some of the basic considerations necessary for classroom implementation of a public school program for autistic and seriously emotionally disturbed (ED) children. Included are descriptive infomration about typical ED student's behavior and management techniques for use in the classroom. Also given are basic ideas…

Research on overcorrection (for use with the mentally handicapped, schizophrenic, and autistic) is reviewed, and two types of overcorrection, restitutional and positive-practice, are described. (BD)

The study assessed the efficacy of time delay and peer modeling procedures in increasing spontaneous verbalizations of affection in four autistic children (ages 6-8). Results indicated that the time delay was a quick and effective procedure for all subjects. Peer modeling was unsuccessful in teaching the target behavior. (Author)

The handbook provides a guide for the development of a public school program for autistic and seriously emotionally disturbed (ED) children which reflects the experience and successful elements of the Orange County (Florida) School District program. Included are sections on program rationale and philosophy (providing equal education…

The study guide accompanies a series of 28 videotaped programs designed to provide teachers, teacher aides and parents with an understanding of children with autistic tendencies and of how behavior modification techniques might be used to train such children. Synopses of each program and each program segment and a few questions intended to…

Discussed from a behavioral perspective are theoretical approaches and recent educational and research developments in the field of childhood autism. (CL)

Five profoundly retarded males (6 to 9 years old) with clinical manifestations of autism were used to evaluate the use of operant conditioning techniques to toilet train children in an autism ward of a hospital for developmentally disturbed children. (Author/SBH)